Process and iron-based catalyst composition for the production of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene

ABSTRACT

A catalyst composition comprising (a) an iron-containing compound, (b) a dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite, and (c) an organoaluminum compound is disclosed for polymerizing 1,3-butadiene into syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. The use of the catalyst composition of this disclosure avoids the use of environmentally detrimental components such as carbon disulfide and halogenated solvents. The melting temperature of the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene can be varied from about 100 to about 200° C. by variations in the catalyst components and the component ratios. The ability to vary the melting temperature over such a broad range with a single catalyst composition is very desirable. The syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene can be used as a plastic or as an additive for rubber compositions wherein it can crosslink with conventional rubbers using conventional crosslinking agents.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising (a) an iron-containing compound, (b) a dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite, and (c) an organoaluminum compound and its use to polymerize 1,3-butadiene into syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin and is cocurable with conventional rubbers due to its residual unsaturation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin that has a stereoregular structure in which the vinyl groups as side chains are located alternately on the opposite sides in relation to the polymeric main chain consisting of carbon-carbon bonds. Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene is a unique material that combines the properties of plastics and rubber. Accordingly, syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene has many uses. For example, films, fibers and molded articles can be made utilizing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. It can also be blended into rubbers and cocured therewith.

[0003] Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene can be made by solution, emulsion or suspension polymerization. The syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene from solution, emulsion or suspension polymerication typically has a melting temperature that is within the range of about 195 ° C. to 215 ° C. However, for processability reasons it is generally desirable for syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene to have a melting temperature of less than about 195 ° C. to render it suitable for practical utilization.

[0004] Various transition metal catalyst systems based on cobalt, titanium, vanadium, chromium, and molybdenum have been reported in the prior art for the preparation of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene (see, e.g., L. Porri and A. Giarrusso, in Comprehensive Polymer Science, edited by G. C. Eastmond, A. Ledwith, S. Russo and P. Sigwalt, Pergamon Press: Oxford, 1989, Volume 4, Page 53). However, the majority of these catalyst systems have no practical utility because they have low catalytic activity or poor stereoselectivity and in some cases produce low molecular weight polymers or crosslinked polymers unsuitable for commercial use.

[0005] The following cobalt-based catalyst systems are well known for the preparation of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene on a commercial scale: (1) cobalt bis(acetylacetonate)/triethyl aluminum/water/triphenyl phosphine (U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,498,963 and 4,182,813; Jap. Kokoku 44-32426, assigned to Japan Synthetic Rubber Co. Ltd.), and (2) cobalt tris(acetylacetonate)/triethyl aluminum/carbon disulfide (U.S. Pat. No. 3,778,424; Jap. Kokoku 72-19,892, 81-18,127, 74-17,666, and 74-17,667; Jap. Kokai 81-88,408, 81-88,409, 81-88,410, 75-59,480, 75-121,380, and 75-121,379, assigned to Ube Industries Ltd.). These two catalyst systems also have serious disadvantages.

[0006] The cobalt bis(acetylacetonate)/triethyl aluminum/water/triphenyl phosphine system yields syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having very low crystallinity. In addition, this catalyst system develops sufficient catalytic activity only in halogenated hydrocarbon solvents as the polymerization medium, and halogenated solvents present the problems of toxicity.

[0007] The cobalt tris(acetylacetonate)/triethyl aluminum/carbon disulfide system uses carbon disulfide as one of the catalyst components. Because of its high volatility, obnoxious smell, low flash point as well as toxicity, carbon disulfide is difficult and dangerous to use and requires expensive safety measures to prevent even minimal amounts escaping into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene produced with this catalyst system has a very high melting temperature within the range of 200-210° C., which makes it difficult to process the polymer. Although the melting temperature of the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene can be reduced by the use of a catalyst modifier as a fourth catalyst component, the presence of such a catalyst modifier also has an adverse effect on the catalyst activity and polymer yields. Accordingly, many restrictions are required for the industrial utilization of the two aforesaid cobalt-based catalyst systems of the prior art.

[0008] Coordination catalyst systems based on iron-containing compounds such as iron(III) acetylacetonate/triethylaluminum have been known in the prior art for a long time, but they have very low catalytic activity and poor stereoselectivity for the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene and sometimes give rise to oligomers, low molecular weight liquid polymers or crosslinked polymers. Therefore, these iron-based catalyst systems of the prior art have no industrial utility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having various melting temperatures and syndiotacticities without the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a process for efficiently producing the aforesaid syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a versatile and inexpensive catalyst composition, which has high catalytic activity and stereoselectivity for use in the production of the aforesaid syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene.

[0012] It has been found that the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene by the use of a specified iron-based catalyst composition is capable of efficiently producing the objective syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene.

[0013] Specifically, the present invention relates to a catalyst composition which can be utilized in the stereospecific polymerization of 1,3-butadiene monomer into syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene, said catalyst composition being comprised of: (a) an iron-containing compound, (b) a dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite, and (c) an organoaluminum compound.

[0014] The present invention further relates to a process for the production of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene, which comprises polymerizing 1,3-butadiene monomer in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of the foregoing catalyst composition.

[0015] By utilizing the process and catalyst composition of the present invention, numerous distinct and highly beneficial advantages are realized. For example, by utilizing the process and catalyst composition of the present invention, syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene can be produced in high yields with low catalyst levels after relatively short polymerization times. Additionally and more significantly, since the catalyst composition of the present invention does not contain the highly volatile, toxic and flammable carbon disulfide which is typically employed in some of the prior-art catalyst systems, the toxicity, obnoxious smell, dangers and expense involved in the use of carbon disulfide are eliminated. Further, the catalyst composition of the present invention displays high catalytic activity in a wide range of solvents including nonhalogenated solvents, such as aliphatic and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, which are environmentally preferred. In addition, the catalyst composition of the present invention is iron-based, and iron compounds are generally stable, non-toxic, inexpensive and readily available. Furthermore, the catalyst composition of the present invention is very versatile and capable of producing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having a wide range of melting temperatures without the need to use a catalyst modifier as a fourth catalyst component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The catalyst composition of the present invention is comprised of the following components: (a) an iron-containing compound, (b) a dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite, and (c) an organoaluminum compound.

[0017] As the component (a) of the catalyst composition of the present invention, various iron-containing compounds can be utilized. It is generally advantageous to employ iron-containing compounds that are soluble in a hydrocarbon solvent such as aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons. Nevertheless, insoluble iron-containing compounds may merely be suspended in the polymerization medium to form the catalytically active species. Accordingly, no limitations should be placed on the iron-containing compounds to insure solubility.

[0018] The iron in the iron-containing compounds employed in the catalyst composition of the present invention can be in various oxidation states including, but not limited to, the 0, +2, +3, and +4 oxidation states. It is preferable to use divalent iron compounds (also called ferrous compounds), wherein the iron is in the +2 oxidation state, and trivalent iron compounds (also called ferric compounds), wherein the iron is in the +3 oxidation state. Suitable types of iron-containing compounds that can be utilized in the catalyst composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to, iron carboxylates, iron β-diketonates, iron alkoxides or aryloxides, iron halides, iron pseudo-halides, and organoiron compounds.

[0019] Some specific examples of suitable iron carboxylates include iron(II) formate, iron(III) formate, iron(II) acetate, iron(III) acetate, iron(II) acrylate, iron(III) acrylate, iron(II) methacrylate, iron(III) methacrylate, iron(II) valerate, iron(III) valerate, iron(II) gluconate, iron(III) gluconate, iron(II) citrate, iron(III) citrate, iron(II) fumarate, iron(III) fumarate, iron(II) lactate, iron(III) lactate, iron(II) maleate, iron(III) maleate, iron(II) oxalate, iron(III) oxalate, iron(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, iron(III) 2-ethylhexanoate, iron(II) neodecanoate, iron(III) neodecanoate, iron(II) naphthenate, iron(III) naphthenate, iron(II) stearate, iron(III) stearate, iron(II) oleate, iron(III) oleate, iron(II) benzoate, iron(III) benzoate, iron(II) picolinate, and iron(III) picolinate.

[0020] Some specific examples of suitable iron β-diketonates include iron(II) acetylacetonate, iron(III) acetylacetonate, iron(II) trifluoroacetylacetonate, iron (III) trifluoroacetylacetonate, iron (II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate, iron(III) hexafluoroacetylacetonate, iron(II) benzoylacetonate, iron(III) benzoylacetonate, iron(II) 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate, and iron(III) 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate.

[0021] Some specific examples of suitable iron alkoxides or aryloxides include iron(II) methoxide, iron(III) methoxide, iron(II) ethoxide, iron(III) ethoxide, iron(II) isopropoxide, iron(III) isopropoxide, iron(II) 2-ethylhexoxide, iron(III) 2-ethylhexoxide, iron(II) phenoxide, iron(III) phenoxide, iron(II) nonylphenoxide, iron(III) nonylphenoxide, iron(II) naphthoxide, and iron(III) naphthoxide.

[0022] Some specific examples of suitable iron halides include iron(II) fluoride, iron(III) fluoride, iron(II) chloride, iron(III) chloride, iron(II) bromide, iron(III) bromide, and iron(II) iodide.

[0023] Some representative examples of suitable iron pseudo-halides include iron(II) cyanide, iron(III) cyanide, iron(II) cyanate, iron(III) cyanate, iron(II) thiocyanate, iron(III) thiocyanate, iron(II) azide, iron(III) azide, and iron(III) ferrocyanide (also called Prussian blue).

[0024] As used herein, the term “organoiron compounds” refers to any iron compound containing at least one covalent iron-carbon bond. Some specific examples of suitable organoiron compounds include bis(cyclopentadienyl)iron(II) (also called ferrocene), bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)iron(II) (also called decamethylferrocene), bis(pentadienyl)iron(II), bis(2,4-dimethylpentadienyl)iron(II), bis(allyl)dicarbonyliron(II), (cyclopentadienyl)(pentadienyl)iron(II), tetra(1-norbornyl)iron(IV), (trimethylenemethane)tricarbonyliron(II), bis(butadiene)carbonyliron(II), (butadiene)tricarbonyliron(O), and bis(cyclooctatetraene)iron(O).

[0025] The component (b) of the catalyst composition of the present invention is a dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite represented by the following keto-enol tautomeric structures:

[0026] Wherein R¹ and R², which may be the same or different, are hydrocarbyl radicals selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, and allyl groups; each group preferably containing from 1, or the appropriate minimum number of carbon atoms (often 3 or 6) to form such group, up to 20 carbon atoms. The dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite exists mainly as the keto tautomer (shown on the left), with the enol tautomer (shown on the right) being the minor species. Either of the two tautomers or mixtures thereof can be used as the component (b) of the catalyst composition of the present invention. The equilibrium constant for the above-mentioned tautomeric equilibrium is dependent upon such factors as the temperature, the types of R¹ and R² groups, the type of solvent, and the like. Both tautomers may be associated in dimeric, trimeric or oligomeric forms by hydrogen bonding.

[0027] Some representative examples of suitable dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphites are dimethyl hydrogen phosphite, diethyl hydrogen phosphite, dibutyl hydrogen phosphite, dihexyl hydrogen phosphite, dioctyl hydrogen phosphite, didecyl hydrogen phosphite, didodecyl hydrogen phosphite, dioctadecyl hydrogen phosphite, bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) hydrogen phosphite, diisopropyl hydrogen phosphite, bis(3,3-dimethyl-2-butyl) hydrogen phosphite, bis(2,4-dimethyl-3-pentyl) hydrogen phosphite, di-t-butyl hydrogen phosphite, bis(2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphite, dineopentyl hydrogen phosphite, bis(cyclopropylmethyl) hydrogen phosphite, bis(cyclobutylmethyl) hydrogen phosphite, bis(cyclopentylmethyl) hydrogen phosphite, bis(cyclohexylmethyl) hydrogen phosphite, dicyclobutyl hydrogen phosphite, dicyclopentyl hydrogen phosphite, dicyclohexyl hydrogen phosphite, dimenthyl hydrogen phosphite, diphenyl hydrogen phosphite, dinaphthyl hydrogen phosphite, dibenzyl hydrogen phosphite, bis(1-naphthylmethyl) hydrogen phosphite, diallyl hydrogen phosphite, dimethallyl hydrogen phosphite, dicrotyl hydrogen phosphite, ethyl butyl hydrogen phosphite, methyl hexyl hydrogen phosphite, methyl neopentyl hydrogen phosphite, methyl phenyl hydrogen phosphite, methyl cyclohexyl hydrogen phosphite, methyl benzyl hydrogen phosphite, and the like. Mixtures of the above dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphites may also be utilized.

[0028] The catalyst composition of the present invention further comprises an organoaluminum compound as the component (c). As used herein, the term “organoaluminum compound” refers to any aluminum compound containing at least one covalent aluminum-carbon bond. It is generally advantageous to employ organoaluminum compounds that are soluble in the hydrocarbon polymerization medium. A preferred class of organoaluminum compounds that can be utilized in the catalyst composition of the present invention are represented by the general formula AlR_(n)X_(3-n) (n=1, 2 or 3), wherein each R, which may be the same or different, is a hydrocarbyl radical selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, and allyl groups and preferably contains from 1, or the appropriate minimum number of carbon atoms (often 3 or 6) to form such group, up to 20 carbon atoms, and each X, which may be the same or different, is a hydrogen; halogen, preferably chlorine or bromine; or alkoxide or aryloxide group having 1 or 6 to 20 carbon atoms. Thus suitable types of organoaluminum compounds that can be utilized in the catalyst composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to, trihydrocarbylaluminum, dihydrocarbylaluminum hydride, hydrocarbylaluminum dihydride, dihydrocarbylaluminum halide, hydrocarbylaluminum dihalide, dihydrocarbylaluminum alkoxide, hydrocarbylaluminum dialkoxide, dihydrocarbylaluminum aryloxide, hydrocarbylaluminum diaryloxide, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Trihydrocarbylaluminum compounds are generally preferred.

[0029] Some specific examples of suitable organoaluminum compounds that can be utilized in the catalyst composition of the present invention include trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum, tri-n-propylaluminum, triisopropylaluminum, tri-n-hexylaluminum, tri-n-octylaluminum, tricyclohexylaluminum, triphenylaluminum, tri-p-tolylaluminum, tribenzylaluminum, diethylphenylaluminum, diethyl-p-tolylaluminum, diethylbenzylaluminum, ethyidiphenylaluminum, ethyldi-p-tolylaluminum, ethyidibenzylaluminum, diethylaluminum hydride, di-n-propylaluminum hydride, diisopropylaluminum hydride, di-n-butylaluminum hydride, diisobutylaluminum hydride, di-n-octylaluminum hydride, diphenylaluminum hydride, di-p-tolylaluminum hydride, dibenzylaluminum hydride, phenylethylaluminum hydride, phenyl-n-propylaluminum hydride, phenylisopropylaluminum hydride, phenyl-n-butylaluminum hydride, phenylisobutylaluminum hydride, phenyl-n-octylaluminum hydride, p-tolyiethylaluminum hydride, p-tolyl-n-propylaluminum hydride, p-tolylisopropylaluminum hydride, p-tolyl-n-butylaluminum hydride, p-tolylisobutylaluminum hydride, p-tolyl-n-octylaluminum hydride, benzylethylaluminum hydride, benzyl-n-propylaluminum hydride, benzylisopropylaluminum hydride, benzyl-n-butylaluminum hydride, benzylisobutylaluminum hydride, and benzyl-n-octylaluminum hydride, ethylaluminum dihydride, n-propylaluminum dihydride, isopropylaluminum dihydride, n-butylaluminum dihydride, isobutylaluminum dihydride, n-octylaluminum dihydride, dimethylaluminum chloride, diethylaluminum chloride, dimethylaluminum bromide, diethylaluminum bromide, dimethylaluminum fluoride, diethylaluminum fluoride, methylaluminum dichloride, ethylaluminum dichloride, methylaluminum dibromide, ethylaluminum dibromide, methylaluminum difluoride, ethylaluminum difluoride, methylaluminum sesquichloride, ethylaluminum sesquichloride, isobutylaluminum sesquichloride, dimethylaluminum methoxide, diethylaluminum methoxide, diisobutylaluminum methoxide, dimethylaluminum ethoxide, diethylaluminum ethoxide, diisobutylaluminum ethoxide, dimethylaluminum phenoxide, diethylaluminum phenoxide, diisobutylaluminum phenoxide, methylaluminum dimethoxide, ethylaluminum dimethoxide, isobutylaluminum dimethoxide, methylaluminum diethoxide, ethylaluminum diethoxide, isobutylaluminum diethoxide, methylaluminum diphenoxide, ethylaluminum diphenoxide, isobutylaluminum diphenoxide, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

[0030] The catalyst composition of the present invention contains the above-described three components (a), (b), and (c) as the main components. In addition to the three catalyst components (a), (b), and (c), other catalyst components such as other organometallic compounds, which are known in the art, can also be added, if desired.

[0031] The catalyst composition of the present invention has very high catalytic activity over a wide range of total catalyst concentrations and catalyst component ratios. The three catalyst components (a), (b), and (c) apparently interact to form the active catalyst species. Accordingly, the optimum concentration for any one catalyst component is dependent upon the concentrations of the other two catalyst components. While polymerization will occur over a wide range of catalyst concentrations and catalyst component ratios, the polymers having the most desirable properties are obtained within a narrower range of catalyst concentrations and catalyst component ratios.

[0032] The molar ratio of the dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite to the iron-containing compound (P/Fe) in the catalyst composition of the present invention can be varied from about 0.5:1 to about 50:1, with a more preferred range being from about 1:1 to about 25:1 and a most preferred range being from about 2:1 to about 10:1. The molar ratio of the organoaluminum compound to the iron-containing compound (Al/Fe) can be varied from about 1:1 to about 100:1. However, a more preferred range of Al/Fe molar ratio is from about 3:1 to about 50:1, and a most preferred range is from about 5:1 to about 20:1.

[0033] The total catalyst concentration in the polymerization mass depends on such factors as the purity of the components, the polymerization rate and conversion desired, the polymerization temperature, and the like. Accordingly, specific total catalyst concentrations cannot be definitively set forth except to say that catalytically effective amounts of the respective catalyst components should be used. Generally, the amount of the iron-containing compound used can be varied from about 0.01 to about 2 mmol per 100 g of 1,3-butadiene, with a more preferred range being from about 0.02 to about 1.0 mmol per 100 g of 1,3-butadiene and a most preferred range being from about 0.05 to about 0.5 mmol per 100 g of 1,3-butadiene. Certain specific total catalyst concentrations and catalyst component ratios that produce polymers having desired properties will be illustrated in the examples given to explain the teachings of the present invention.

[0034] The three catalyst components of this invention may be introduced into the polymerization system in several different ways. Thus, the catalyst may be formed in situ by adding the three catalyst components to the monomer/solvent mixture in either a stepwise or simultaneous manner; the sequence in which the components are added in a stepwise manner is not critical but the components are preferably added in the sequence of iron-containing compound, dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite, and finally organoaluminum compound. Alternatively, the three catalyst components may also be premixed outside the polymerization system at an appropriate temperature (e.g., from about −20° C. to about 80° C.), and the resulting mixture then added to the polymerization system. Additionally, the catalyst may also be preformed, that is, the three catalyst components are premixed in the presence of a small amount of 1,3-butadiene monomer at an appropriate temperature (e.g., from about −20° C. to about 80° C.), prior to being charged to the main portion of the monomer/solvent mixture that is to be polymerized. The amount of 1,3-butadiene monomer which is used for the catalyst preforming can range from about 1 to about 500 moles per mole of the iron-containing compound, and preferably should be from about 4 to about 50 moles per mole of the iron-containing compound. In addition, the three catalyst components may also be introduced to the polymerization system using a two-stage procedure. This procedure involves first reacting the iron-containing compound with the organoaluminum compound in the presence of a small amount, as specified above, of 1,3-butadiene monomer at an appropriate temperature (e.g., from about −20° C. to about 80° C.). The resultant reaction mixture and the dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite are then added to the main portion of the monomer/solvent mixture in either a stepwise or simultaneous manner. Further, an alternative two-stage procedure may also be employed. This involves first reacting the iron-containing compound with the dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite at an appropriate temperature (e.g., from about −20° C. to about 80° C.) to form an iron complex, followed by adding the resultant iron complex and the organoaluminum compound to the monomer/solvent mixture in either a stepwise or simultaneous manner.

[0035] When a solution of a catalyst component is prepared outside the polymerization system, the organic solvent usable for the catalyst component solution may be selected from aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures of two or more of the above-mentioned hydrocarbons. Preferably, the organic solvent consists of at least one selected from benzene, toluene, xylene, hexane, heptane and cyclohexane.

[0036] As described hereinabove, the iron-based catalyst composition of the present invention containing the three catalyst components (a), (b), and (c) exhibits a very high catalytic activity for the production of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. Hence, the present invention further provides a process for producing syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene by the use of the above-described iron-based catalyst composition.

[0037] The production of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene according to the process of the present invention is put into practice by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene monomer in the presence of an iron-based catalyst composition comprising the foregoing three catalyst components (a), (b), and (c). As described above, there are available a variety of methods for bringing the three components of the catalyst composition of the present invention into contact with 1,3-butadiene monomer.

[0038] In accordance with the process of the present invention, the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene monomer may be carried out by means of bulk polymerization, wherein no solvents are employed. Such bulk polymerization can be conducted either in a condensed liquid phase or in a gas phase.

[0039] Alternatively and more typically, the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene according to the process of the present invention is carried out in an organic solvent as the diluent. In such cases, a solution polymerization system may be employed in which both the 1,3-butadiene monomer to be polymerized and the polymer formed are soluble in the polymerization medium. Alternatively, a suspension polymerization system may be employed by choosing a solvent in which the polymer formed is insoluble. In both cases, an amount of the organic solvent in addition to the organic solvent contained in the catalyst component solutions is usually added to the polymerization system. The additional organic solvent may be either the same as or different from the organic solvent contained in the catalyst component solutions. It is normally desirable to select an organic solvent that is inert with respect to the catalyst composition employed to catalyze the polymerization. Suitable types of organic solvents that can be utilized as the diluent include, but are not limited to, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Some representative examples of suitable aliphatic solvents include n-pentane, n-hexane, n-heptane, n-octane, n-nonane, n-decane, isopentane, isohexanes, isoheptanes, isooctanes, 2,2-dimethylbutane, petroleum ether, kerosene, petroleum spirits, and the like. Some representative examples of suitable cycloaliphatic solvents include cyclopentane, cyclohexane, methylcyclopentane, methylcyclohexane, and the like. Some representative examples of suitable aromatic solvents include benzene, toluene, xylenes, ethylbenzene, diethylbenzene, mesitylene, and the like. Commercial mixtures of the above hydrocarbons may also be used. For environmental reasons, aliphatic and cycloaliphatic solvents are highly preferred.

[0040] The concentration of the 1,3-butadiene monomer to be polymerized is not limited to a special range. However, generally, it is preferable that the concentration of the 1,3-butadiene monomer present in the polymerization medium at the beginning of the polymerization be in a range of from about 3% to about 80% by weight, but a more preferred range is from about 5% to about 50% by weight, and the most preferred range is from about 10% to about 30% by weight.

[0041] In performing the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene according to the process of the present invention, a molecular weight regulator may be employed to control the molecular weight of the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene to be produced. As a result, the scope of the polymerization system can be expanded in such a manner that it can be used for the production of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene ranging from an extremely high molecular weight polymer to a low molecular weight polymer. Suitable types of molecular weight regulators that can be utilized include, but are not limited to, accumulated diolefins such as allene and 1,2-butadiene; nonconjugated diolefins such as 1,6-octadiene, 5-methyl-1,4-hexadiene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadiene, 1,4-cyclohexadiene, 4-vinylcyclohexene, 1,4-pentadiene, 1,4-hexadiene, 1,5-hexadiene, 1,6-heptadiene, 1,2-divinylcyclohexane, 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene, 5-methylene-2-norbornene, 5-vinyl-2-norbornene, dicyclopentadiene, and 1,2,4-trivinylcyclohexane; acetylenes such as acetylene, methylacetylene and vinylacetylene; and mixtures thereof. The amount of the molecular weight regulator used, expressed in parts per hundred parts by weight of the 1,3-butadiene monomer (phm) employed in the polymerization, is in the range of about 0.01 to about 10 phm, preferably in the range of about 0.02 to about 2 phm, and most preferably in the range of about 0.05 to about 1 phm. In addition, the molecular weight of the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene product to be obtained can also be effectively controlled by performing the polymerization of the 1,3-butadiene monomer in the presence of hydrogen. In this case, the partial pressure of hydrogen is appropriately chosen within the range of about 0.01 to about 50 atmospheres.

[0042] In accordance with the process of the present invention, the polymerization 1,3-butadiene may be carried out as a batch process, on a semi-continuous basis, or on a continuous basis. In any case, the polymerization is conducted under anaerobic conditions using an inert protective gas such as nitrogen, argon or helium, with moderate to vigorous agitation. The polymerization temperature employed in the practice of this invention may vary widely from a low temperature, such as −10° C. or below, to a high temperature such as 100° C. or above, with a preferred temperature range being from about 20° C. to about 90 ° C. The heat of polymerization may be removed by external cooling, cooling by evaporation of the 1,3-butadiene monomer or the solvent, or a combination of the two methods. Although the polymerization pressure employed in the practice of this invention also may vary widely, a preferred pressure range is from about 1 atmosphere to about 10 atmospheres.

[0043] The polymerization reaction of the present invention, on reaching a desired conversion, can be stopped by addition of a known polymerization terminator into the polymerization system to inactivate the catalyst system, followed by the conventional steps of removing solvent and drying as are typically employed and are known to those skilled in the art in the production of conjugated diene polymers. Typically, the terminator employed to inactivate the catalyst system is a protic compound, which includes, but is not limited to, an alcohol, a carboxylic acid, an inorganic acid, and water or a combination thereof. An antioxidant such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol may be added along with, before or after addition of the terminator. The amount of the antioxidant employed is usually in the range of 0.2% to 1% by weight of the polymer product. When the polymerization reaction has been stopped, the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene product may be isolated from the polymerization mixture by precipitation with an alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, or isopropanol or by steam distillation of the solvent and the unreacted 1,3-butadiene monomer, followed by filtration. The product is then dried under a constant vacuum at a temperature within the range of about 25° C. to about 100° C. (preferably at about 60° C.).

[0044] The syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene made utilizing the catalyst composition of the present invention can have various melting temperatures, which are dependent upon the catalyst components and the component ratios. Desirably, the melting temperature varies from about 90 to about 215° C., more desirably from about 100 to about 200° C., and preferably from about 110 to about 190° C. The 1,2-linkage content is desirably from about 50 to about 99%, more desirably from about 60 to about 98%, and preferably from about 70 to about 98%. The syndiotacticity is desirably from about 50 to about 99%, more desirably from about 60 or 70 to about 98%.

[0045] The syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene produced with the catalyst composition of the present invention has many uses. It can be blended with various rubbers in order to improve the properties thereof. For example, it can be incorporated into elastomers in order to improve the green strength of those elastomers, particularly in tires. The supporting carcass (reinforcing carcass) of tires is particularly prone to distortion during tire building and curing procedures. For this reason the incorporation of the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene into rubber compositions, which are utilized in the supporting carcass of tires, has particular utility in preventing or minimizing this distortion. In addition, the incorporation of the syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene into tire tread compositions can reduce the heat build-up and improve the wear characteristics of tires. The syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene product is also useful in the manufacture of food films and in many molding applications.

[0046] The practice of the present invention is further illustrated by reference to the following examples which however, should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Parts and percentages shown in the examples are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLE 1

[0047] An oven-dried 1-liter glass bottle was capped with a self-sealing rubber liner and a perforated metal cap and purged with a stream of dry nitrogen. The bottle was charged with 64 g of hexanes and 186 g of a 1,3-butadiene/hexanes blend containing 26.9% by weight of 1,3-butadiene. The following catalyst components were added to the bottle in the following order: (1) 0.050 mmol of iron(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, (2) 0.20 mmol of bis(2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphite, and (3) 0.75 mmol of triisobutylaluminum. The bottle was tumbled for 4 hours in a water bath maintained at 50° C. The polymerization was terminated by addition of 10 ml of isopropanol containing 0.5 g of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. The polymerization mixture was added into 3 liters of isopropanol. The polymer was isolated by filtration and dried to a constant weight under vacuum at 60° C. The yield of the polymer was 47.5 g (95%). As measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the polymer had a melting temperature of 187° C. ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of the polymer indicated a 1,2-linkage content of 90.9% and a syndiotacticity of 93.7%. As determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), the polymer had a weight average molecular weight (M_(w)) of 1,288,000, a number average molecular weight (M_(n)) of 650,000, and a polydispersity index (M_(w)/M_(n)) of 1.9. The monomer charge, the amounts of catalyst components and the properties of the resultant syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene are summarized in Table I.

EXAMPLES 2-6

[0048] In Examples 2-6, the procedure in Example 1 was repeated except that the catalyst ratio was varied as shown in Table I. The monomer charge, the amounts of catalyst components, and the properties of the resultant syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene produced in each example are summarized in Table I. TABLE I Example No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Hexanes 64 64 64 64 64 64 26.9% 1,3-Bd/hexanes (g) 186 186 186 186 186 186 Fe(2-EHA)₂ (mmol) 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 HP(O)(OCH₂CH(Et)(CH₂)₃CH₃)₂ (mmol) 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 i-Bu₃Al (mmol) 0.75 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.80 0.85 Fe/P/Al molar ratio 1:4:15 1:4:12 1:4:13 1:4:14 1:4:16 1:4:17 Polymer yield (%) after 4 hr at 50° C. 95 95 96 94 95 95 Melting point (° C.) 187 184 186 187 187 187 M_(w) 1,228,000 688,000 1,022,000 1,161,000 1,033,000 1,065,000 M_(n) 650,000 180,000 258,000 701,000 413,000 410,000 M_(w)/M_(n) 1.9 3.8 4.0 1.7 2.5 2.6

EXAMPLES 7-13

[0049] In Examples 7-13, the procedure in Example 1 was repeated except that iron(III) 2-ethylhexanoate was substituted for iron(III) 2-ethylhexanoate, having the catalyst ratio varied as shown in Table II. The monomer charge, the amounts of catalyst components, and the properties of the resultant syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene produced in each example are summarized in Table II. TABLE II Example No. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Hexanes 64 64 64 64 64 64 64 26.9% 1,3-Bd/hexanes (g) 186 186 186 186 186 186 186 Fe(2-EHA)₃ (mmol) 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 HP(O)(OCH₂CH(Et)(CH₂)₃CH₃)₂ (mmol) 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 i-Bu₃Al (mmol) 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 Fe/P/Al molar ratio 1:4:10 1:4:11 1:4:12 1:4:13 1:4:14 1:4:15 1:4:16 Polymer yield (%) after 4 hr at 50° C. 96 97 95 96 97 96 97 Melting point (° C.) 182 185 186 187 188 188 188 M_(w) 422,000 464,000 599,000 664,000 855,000 916,000 971,000 M_(n) 155,000 159,000 239,000 310,000 491,000 365,000 545,000 M_(w)/M_(n) 2.7 2.9 2.5 2.1 1.7 2.5 1.8

EXAMPLES 14-20

[0050] In Examples 14-20, the procedure in Example 1 was repeated except that iron(III) 2-ethylhexanoate was substituted for iron(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, and dineopentyl hydrogen phosphite was substituted for bis(2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphite, having the catalyst ratio varied as shown in Table III. The monomer charge, the amounts of catalyst components, and the properties of the resultant syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene produced in each example are summarized in Table III. TABLE III Example No. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Hexanes 64 64 64 64 64 64 64 26.9% 1,3-Bd/hexanes (g) 186 186 186 186 186 186 186 Fe(2-EHA)₃ (mmol) 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 HP(O)(OCH₂CMe₃)₂ (mmol) 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 i-Bu₃Al (mmol) 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85 Fe/P/Al molar ratio 1:4:11 1:4:12 1:4:13 1:4:14 1:4:15 1:4:16 1:4:17 Polymer yield (%) after 4 hr at 50° C. 95 97 95 96 95 95 92 Melting point (° C.) 168 183 188 191 191 191 191 M_(w) 704,000 1,027,000 1,050,000 956,000 1,185,000 1,190,000 1,198,000 M_(n) 228,000 564,000 609,000 419,000 657,000 623,000 592,000 M_(w)/M_(n) 3.1 1.8 1.7 2.3 1.8 1.90 2.0

EXAMPLES 21-26

[0051] In Examples 21-26, the procedure in Example 1 was repeated except that iron(III) 2-ethylhexanoate was substituted for iron(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, and dibutyl hydrogen phosphite was substituted for bis(2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphite, having the catalyst ratio varied as shown in Table IV. The monomer charge, the amounts of catalyst components, and the properties of the resultant syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene produced in each example are summarized in Table IV. TABLE IV Example No. 21 22 23 24 25 26 Hexanes 64 64 64 64 64 64 26.9% 1,3-Bd/hexanes (g) 186 186 186 186 186 186 Fe(2-EHA)₃ (mmol) 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 HP(O)(OBu)₂ (mmol) 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 i-Bu₃Al (mmol) 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85 Fe/P/Al molar ratio 1:4:12 1:4:13 1:4:14 1:4:15 1:4:16 1:4:17 Polymer yield (%) after 4 hr at 5° C. 94 97 97 98 96 95 Melting point (° C.) 181 181 181 181 182 181 M_(w) 750,000 956,000 853,000 756,000 858,000 869,000 M_(n) 287,000 548,000 477,000 467,000 463,000 548,000 M_(w)/M_(n) 2.6 1.8 1.8 1.6 1.9 1.6

EXAMPLES 27-31

[0052] In Examples 27-31, the procedure in Example 1 was repeated except that iron(III) 2-ethylhexanoate was substituted for iron(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, and dimethyl hydrogen phosphite was substituted for bis(2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphite, having the catalyst ratio varied as shown in Table V. The monomer charge, the amounts of catalyst components, and the properties of the resultant syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene produced in each example are summarized in Table V. TABLE V Example No. 27 28 29 30 31 Hexanes 64 64 64 64 64 26.9% 1,3-Bd/hexanes (g) 186 186 186 186 186 Fe(2-EHA)₃ (mmol) 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 HP(O)(OCH₃)₂ (mmol) 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 i-Bu₃Al (mmol) 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85 Fe/P/Al molar ratio 1:4:13 1:4:14 1:4:15 1:4:16 1:4:17 Polymer yield (%) after 4 hr at 50° C. 86 94 96 91 89 Melting point (° C.) 177 176 176 176 177 M_(w) 780,000 851,000 861,000 802,000 815,000 M_(n) 409,000 460,000 580,000 466,000 497,000 M_(w)/M_(n) 1.9 1.8 1.5 1.7 1.6

EXAMPLES 32-38

[0053] In Examples 32-38, the procedure in Example 1 was repeated except that iron(III) acetylacetonate was substituted for iron(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, having the catalyst ratio varied as shown in Table VI. The monomer charge, the amounts of catalyst components, and the properties of the resultant syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene produced in each example are summarized in Table VI. TABLE VI Example No. 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Hexanes 64 64 64 64 64 64 64 26.9% 1,3-Bd/hexanes (g) 186 186 186 186 186 186 186 Fe(acac)₃ (mmol) 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 HP(O)(OCH₂CH(Et)(CH₂)₃CH₃)₂ 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 (mmol) i-Bu₃Al (mmol) 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85 Fe/P/Al molar ratio 1:4:11 1:4:12 1:4:13 1:4:14 1:4:15 1:4:16 1:4:17 Polymer yield (%) after 4 hr at 96 96 96 95 96 95 97 50 ° C. Melting point (° C.) 187 187 187 187 187 188 188 M_(w) 1,124,000 1,150,000 1,146,000 1,151,000 1,196,000 1,578,000 1,187,000 M_(n) 491,000 543,000 559,000 639,000 678,000 793,000 468,000 M_(w)/M_(n) 2.3 2.1 2.1 1.8 1.8 2.0 2.5

EXAMPLES 39-45

[0054] In Examples 39-45, the procedure in Example 1 was repeated except that iron(III) acetylacetonate was substituted for iron(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, and dineopentyl hydrogen phosphite was substituted for bis(2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphite, having the catalyst ratio varied as shown in Table VII. The monomer charge, the amounts of catalyst components, and the properties of the resultant syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene produced in each example are summarized in Table VII. TABLE VII Example No. 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 Hexanes 64 64 64 64 64 64 64 26.9% 1,3-Bd/hexanes (g) 186 186 186 186 186 186 186 Fe(acac)₃ (mmol) 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 HP(O)(OCH₂CMe₃)₂ (mmol) 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 i-Bu₃Al (mmol) 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85 Fe/P/Al molar ratio 1:4:11 1:4:12 1:4:13 1:4:14 1:4:15 1:4:16 1:4:17 Polymer yield (%) after 4 hr at 50° C. 97 95 93 92 90 88 87 Melting point (° C.) 182 185 190 190 191 192 192 M_(w) 634,000 624,000 943,000 1,227,000 994,000 1,117,000 968,000 M_(n) 241,000 312,000 408,000 707,000 572,000 674,000 475,000 M_(w)/M_(n) 2.6 2.5 2.3 1.7 1.7 1.7 2.0

EXAMPLES 46-52

[0055] In Examples 46-52, the procedure in Example 1 was repeated except that iron(III) acetylacetonate was substituted for iron(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, and triethylaluminum was substituted for triisobutylaluminum, having the catalyst ratio varied as shown in Table VIII. The monomer charge, the amounts of catalyst components, and the properties of the resultant syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene produced in each example are summarized in Table VIII. ¹H and ¹³C NMR analysis of the polymer produced in Example 48 indicated a 1,2-linkage content of 84.6% and a syndiotacticity of 74.5%. TABLE VIII Example No. 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 Hexanes 64 64 64 64 64 64 64 26.9% 1,3-Bd/hexanes (g) 186 186 186 186 186 186 186 Fe(acac)₃ (mmol) 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 HP(O)(OCH₂CH(Et)(CH₂)₃CH₃)₂ (mmol) 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 AlEt₃ (mmol) 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85 Fe/P/Al molar ratio 1:4:11 1:4:12 1:4:13 1:4:14 1:4:15 1:4:16 1:4:17 Polymer yield (%) after 4 hr at 50° C. 92 97 95 98 88 83 54 Melting point (° C.) 115 127 128 128 130 131 131 M_(w) 284,000 276,000 269,000 238,000 275,000 328,000 298,000 M_(n) 116,000 131,000 102,000 110,000 96,000 108,000 83,000 M_(w)/M_(n) 2.5 2.1 2.6 2.2 2.9 3.0 3.6

EXAMPLES 53-58

[0056] In Examples 53-58, the procedure in Example 1 was repeated except that iron(III) acetylacetonate was substituted for iron(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, dineopentyl hydrogen phosphite was substituted for bis(2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphite, and triethylaluminum was substituted for triisobutylaluminum, having the catalyst ratio varied as shown in Table IX. The monomer charge, the amounts of catalyst components, and the properties of the resultant syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene produced in each example are summarized in Table IX. TABLE IX Example No. 53 54 55 56 57 58 Hexanes 64 64 64 64 64 64 26.9% 1,3-Bd/hexanes (g) 186 186 186 186 186 186 Fe(acac)₃ (mmol) 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 HP(O)(OCH₂CMe₃)hd 2 (mmol) 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 AlEt₃ (mmol) 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 Fe/P/Al molar ratio 1:4:11 1:4:12 1:4:13 1:4:14 1:4:15 1:4:16 Polymer yield (%) after 4 hr at 50° C. 86 91 92 88 72 46 Melting point (° C.) 129 129 132 132 133 133 M_(w) 162,000 180,000 203,000 243,000 298,000 356,000 M_(n) 67,000 81,000 86,000 103,000 129,000 154,000 M_(w)/M_(n) 2.4 2.2 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.3

EXAMPLE 59

[0057] Inside a glovebox operated under a nitrogen atmosphere, 32.4 mg (0.20 mmol) of anhydrous iron(III) chloride powder was charged to into an oven-dried 1-liter glass bottle. The bottle was capped with a self-sealing rubber liner and a perforated metal cap and then removed from the glovebox. The bottle was charged with 132 g of hexanes and 368 g of a 1,3-butadiene/hexanes blend containing 27.2% by weight of 1,3-butadiene, followed by 0.80 mmol of bis(2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphite and 2.80 mmol of triisobutylaluminum. The bottle was tumbled for 4 hours in a water bath maintained at 50° C. Workup of the polymerization mixture in a manner similar to that described in Example 1 gave 37.2 g (37% yield) of the polymer. As measured by DSC, the polymer had a melting temperature of 168° C. As determined by GPC, the polymer had a weight average molecular weight (M_(w)) of 871,000, a number average molecular weight (M_(n)) of 329,000, and a polydispersity index (M_(w)/M_(n)) of 2.6.

[0058] Although the present invention has been described in the above examples with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it would be obvious to persons skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made, which fall within the scope claimed for the invention as set out in the appended claims. The invention is therefore not limited to the particulars disclosed and extends to all equivalents within the scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A catalyst composition comprising: (a) an iron-containing compound, (b) a dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite and (c) an organoaluminum compound.
 2. A catalyst composition according to claim 1 , wherein the iron of said iron-containing compound is in the 0, +2, +3 or +4 oxidation state.
 3. A catalyst composition according to claim 1 , wherein said iron-containing compound comprises an iron carboxylate, iron β-diketonate, iron alkoxide, iron aryloxide, iron halide, iron pseudo-halide, or organoiron compound or mixtures thereof.
 4. A catalyst composition according to claim 1 , wherein said iron-containing compound comprises an iron carboxylate, iron, β-diketonate, iron alkoxide, or iron aryloxide or mixtures thereof.
 5. A catalyst composition according to claim 1 , wherein said dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite has the following keto-enol tautomeric structures:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an allyl or cycloalkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
 6. A catalyst composition according to claim 1 , wherein said organoaluminum compound has the formula AlR_(n)X_(3-n), where n is 1,2 or 3; each R individually is an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an allyl or cycloalkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms or an aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms; and each X individually is a hydrogen, halogen, alkoxide group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or aryloxide group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
 7. A catalyst composition according to claim 1 , wherein said organoaluminum compound has the formula AlR_(n)X_(3-n), where n is 2 or 3; each R individually is an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and X is a hydrogen, halogen, alkoxide group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or aryloxide group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
 8. A catalyst composition according to claim 1 , wherein the molar ratio of the dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite to the iron-containing compound (P/Fe) is from about 0.5:1 to about 50:1 and the molar ratio of the organoaluminum compound to the iron-containing compound (Al/Fe) is from about 1:1 to about 100:1.
 9. A catalyst composition according to claim 1 , wherein the molar ratio of the dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite to the iron-containing compound (P/Fe) is from about 1:1 to about 25:1.
 10. A catalyst composition according to claim 1 , wherein the molar ratio of the organoaluminum compound to the iron-containing compound (Al/Fe) is from about 3:1 to about 50:1.
 11. A catalyst composition according to claim 9 , wherein the molar ratio of the organoaluminum compound to the iron-containing compound (Al/Fe) is from about 3:1 to about 50:1.
 12. A process for forming syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene, comprising: polymerizing 1,3-butadiene in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst composition which comprises: (a) an iron-containing compound, (b) a dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite and (c) an organoaluminum compound.
 13. A process according to claim 12 , wherein the iron of said iron-containing compound is in the 0, +2, +3 or +4 oxidation state.
 14. A process according to claim 1 2, wherein said iron-containing compound comprises an iron carboxylate, iron β-diketonate, iron alkoxide, iron aryloxide, iron halide, iron pseudo-halide, or organoiron compound or mixtures thereof.
 15. A process according to claim 12 , wherein said iron-containing compound comprises an iron carboxylate, iron β-diketonate, iron alkoxide, or iron aryloxide or mixtures thereof.
 16. A process according to claim 12 , wherein said dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite has the following keto-enol tautomeric structures:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an allyl or cycloalkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
 17. A process according to claim 1 2, wherein said organoaluminum compound has the formula AlR_(n)X_(3-n), where n is 1, 2, or 3; each R individually is an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an allyl or cycloalkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms; and each X individually is a hydrogen, halogen, alkoxide group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or aryloxide group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
 18. A process according to claim 1 2, wherein said organoaluminum compound has the formula AlR_(n)X_(3-n), where n is 2 or 3; each R individually is an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and X is a hydrogen, halogen, alkoxide group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or aryloxide group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
 19. A process according to claim 1 2, wherein the molar ratio of the dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite to the iron-containing compound (P/Fe) is from about 0.5:1 to about 50:1 and the molar ratio of the organoaluminum compound to the iron-containing compound (Al/Fe) is from about 1:1 to about 100:1.
 20. A process according to claim 1 2, wherein the molar ratio of the dihydrocarbyl hydrogen phosphite to the iron-containing compound (P/Fe) is from about 1:1 to about 25:1.
 21. A process according to claim 12 , wherein the molar ratio of the organoaluminum compound to the iron-containing compound (Al/Fe) is from about 3:1 to about 50:1.
 22. A process according to claim 20 , wherein the molar ratio of the organoaluminum compound to the iron-containing compound (Al/Fe) is from about 3:1 to about 50:1.
 23. A process according to claim 12 , wherein the iron-containing compound is present in the polymerization in an amount from about 0.01 to about 2 mmol per 100 g of 1,3-butadiene.
 24. A process according to claim 1 2, wherein said syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene has a melting temperature from about 110 to about 190° C., a 1,2-linkage content from about 60% to about 98%, and a syndiotacticity from about 60% to about 98%.
 25. A process according to claim 12 , wherein the polymerization is conducted in the presence of a molecular weight regulator. 